The Revolving Door

Abstract

Chapter 8 uses original research and media accounts to examine how the neoliberal project diffuses into public and private institutions through networks of education, employment, and influence. Power structure theory is used to trace networks, identify central nodes of power, and shed light on the branches and conduits. Departures from private activity for government service and vice versa suggest self interest and class interest contributing to private uses of public interests. In other cases the revolving door represents captured minds rather than wallets. An updated analysis of Portugal which tracked the revolving door for every single member of government in Portugal's contemporary Second Republic is presented. A study of public decision makers in twelve countries between 1975 and 2015 examines how career trajectories have accommodated deregulation, liberalization, and the transformation of center-left parties into leading advocates of neoliberal policy.